Big Cat Rescue News Release

Big Cat Rescue Calls on Citizens to Help Pass Big Cats Bill

Tampa, Fla. April 15, 2012—Big Cat Rescue (BCR), the largest accredited big cat sanctuary in the world, is attempting to persuade Congress to pass the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act HR 4122, a legislative bill that will prohibit the private possession and breeding of big cats.

On Feb. 29, 2012, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) introduced HR 4122. Big Cat Rescue’s immediate goal is to increase awareness, and we have provided fact sheets and are offering ways for the public to help pass this bill. An extensive explanation of the bill can be found on our website.

This piece of legislation highlights a problem that Big Cat Rescue has been combating for years. The difficulty of private ownership and the resulting mistreatment and cruelty toward big cats occurs when they are in the possession of abusive and neglectful owners.

With the help of citizens throughout the United States, Big Cat Rescue hopes that a strong backing of the bill at the grassroots level will sway Congress to ultimately pass the legislation so it can take effect as soon as possible.

If the bill were to pass through Congress, it will be the largest victory for Big Cat Rescue in their 20-year history.

Part of BCR’s mission is to teach people about the plight of big cats in the wild and in captivity. People across the country can help through their behavior and support of better laws to protect the cats.

Big Cat Rescue is only as strong as its supporters, and the organization knows that beyond the aid from staff and volunteers there’s a need for the everyday citizen to join us in this fight against injustice.

With your help, the most important bill protecting big cats will make it through Congress and help restore global big cat conservation efforts. If this bill passes, it will stop the cruelty and mistreatment these big cats are often subjected to.

Located in Tampa, Fla., Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. The nonprofit organization is accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries, is certified by Independent Charities of America as a “Best in America Charity,” and has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound non-profit fiscal management. The sanctuary is home to more than 100 exotic big cats. For more information, visit http://www.bigcatrescue.org.